Marion L. Sharp, 86, of Kingsland died Monday evening, March 31, 2020, at Southeast Georgia Health System of Camden after a sudden illness.
Mr. Sharp was born in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the late John Marion Sharp and Mattie Jean Wade Sharp and made Camden County his home for most of his life. He was a man of public service, serving in many capacities throughout his years in Camden County. He was the volunteer fire chief in St. Marys for many years. He was one of the first EMTs in the state of Georgia. He was a dedicated Shriner and a city councilman for the City of St. Marys. Mr. Sharp served his country in the military at the rank of staff sergeant.
Mr. Sharp served as vice president of the Camden County Telephone Company before semi-retiring. He was a leader in telephone innovation in the state of Georgia. During his years in the telephone industry, he was elected president of the Georgia Telephone Association.
After graduating from high school, he worked for the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover in the fingerprint division. During Mr. Sharp’s time at the FBI, he made a fingerprint identification that led to the capture of one of the 10 most wanted.
Mr. Sharp was a pilot and owned the FBO operation at the St. Marys airport for many years. Besides loving to fly, he enjoyed being out on the water and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Coleen Parker and John David Sharp.
Mr. Sharp is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Sharp of Kingsland; three children, Deborah Simko (husband Greg) of Apopka, Florida, Sandy McCollough of Woodbine and Gary Sharp (wife Karen) of Honolulu, Hawaii; six grandchildren, April Frawley (husband Randy), Jessica Clifford (husband Brandon), Sara Widener (husband Mike), Chase Sharp (wife Carrie), Garrett Sharp and Haley Sharp; five great-grandchildren, Gabe Frawley, Xander Frawley, Ryland Clifford, Kinsley Clifford and Riley Ann Widener; two special dogs, Chief and Rowdy; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A private graveside will be held Friday, April 3.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Donor Relations, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.